11:18 am - February 25, 2025
The U.S. State Department invested $24,000 in a film project at an Irish college aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This initiative, undertaken by the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, sought to foster equality and inclusivity in storytelling by amplifying narratives from diverse community groups through film. The project, funded in October 2021, was part of a broader effort to encourage underrepresented voices in the film and television industry. The college confirmed to Sky News that the funds, combined with contributions from Screen Skills Ireland, were used to produce four short documentaries created by four separate marginalized communities. These films were later premiered at a film festival in Galway in July 2023. Project lead Vanessa Gildea, a lecturer and filmmaker, emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusion, and gender parity in the future of film and television, expressing pride in the impactful works created by the participants.
One of the films, titled Falling, poignantly captured the journey of a brave young Afghan woman who left her home in search of a better life. Another film, Cultural Medium, directed by Britney Madondo, offered a vibrant exploration of the Black and Irish experience through the lens of artist Yomi Attention. What is Freedom? by director Mohadesa Shojaee took viewers on a journey through experiences in a new land, where freedom transcends mere words. Lastly, Sticks & Stones aimed to shed light on experiences of discrimination and the power of language. These films not only highlighted the stories of marginalized communities but also served as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.
The funding for this project was secured by IADT through the U.S. Embassy in Dublin. However, the allocation of U.S. taxpayer money for such initiatives has drawn significant criticism from the Trump administration, which has been vocal about its disdain for what it perceives as wasteful spending. Two weeks prior to the revelation of the $24,000 grant, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt lambasted a series of "insane priorities" funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These included $1.5 million for improving DEI in Serbian workplaces, $47,000 for a "transgender opera" in Colombia, and a $70,000 grant for a "DEI musical in Ireland." Leavitt described these projects as "crap" and asserted that American taxpayers do not want their money spent on such initiatives. The Trump administration has been actively dismantling USAID, redirecting its focus and resources.
The criticism sparked outrage among conservative commentators in the U.S., even though it appears the $70,000 grant, as well as the IADT funding, was awarded by the Department of State rather than USAID. The $70,000 grant was reportedly used to fund an event in Dublin, not a musical, though repeated attempts to contact the event organizer have been unsuccessful. The White House has not yet provided a comment on the matter. The controversy highlights the ongoing political debate over the use of taxpayer funds for cultural and social initiatives, particularly those with an international focus.
Despite the backlash, the IADT project has been praised for its creative and inclusive approach to storytelling. The four short documentaries not only provided a platform for marginalized voices but also showcased the rich diversity of experiences within Ireland’s multicultural landscape. By empowering these communities to share their stories, the project contributed to a more inclusive and equitable representation in film and media. The initiative aligns with the growing global movement toward greater diversity and inclusion in all forms of media, ensuring that underrepresented groups have the opportunity to tell their stories and be heard.
The debate over the funding of such projects reflects broader tensions in U.S. politics regarding the role of government in supporting cultural and social initiatives, particularly those with an international dimension. Critics argue that taxpayer money should be prioritized for domestic needs, while supporters emphasize the value of cultural diplomacy and the importance of fostering global understanding and inclusivity. As the U.S. continues to navigate its role on the world stage, initiatives like the IADT film project serve as a reminder of the power of storytelling to bridge divides and promote empathy and understanding across borders.